“My name is Sorina and I am here because I want to learn more about how to eat healthy. One of my daughters was diagnosed with fatty liver disease a couple of years ago, and because of the changes we made to our diet, she no longer has it.”

Sorina is part of a group of women participating in Olivewood’s Cooking for Salud^TM program this month. Sorina’s story, along with the stories of several other program participants, is very moving. These women commit to participate in an intense 7-week program to learn basic tools that will give them and their families the power to change their daily eating habits and create a healthy kitchen within their homes.

Upon completion of the Cooking for Salud^TM program, participants become Kitchenistas at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center in National City, CA.  These empowered women meet at least once a month and discuss topics that are relevant to their health and their communities. They have formed a sisterhood that all started with making healthy choices and they continue to be there for one another, celebrating each other’s achievements and supporting each other in hard times.

The work that this exciting and powerful group is doing has inspired others to collaborate in various projects, and the Kitchenistas story has now been released to the world in a documentary film. The film titled “Kitchenistas of National City” had its international debut in London at the Global Health Film Festival, the National debut in New York at the I Imagine Film Festival, and will soon be featured at the Pasadena International Film Festival, the Nevada Women’s Film Festival, and the San Diego Latino Film Festival.  View the film’s trailer here.

“I am the owner of my kitchen and I buy what my girls are going to eat. I rule my kitchen, and it is my responsibility to feed them in healthier ways,” said Sorina.  

The power of these words can move mountains, and with the support of healthy communities, schools, and networks, Kitchenistas will continue to take ownership of their kitchens and food choices to provide healthier options for themselves and their families. 

Article written by Healy Vigderson, Executive Director at Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center